THE FIRST WORLD UNIVERISTY RANKING ON SUSTAINABILITY: RANKINGS OVERVIEW

The 12th edition of our rankings showcases 1,183 institutions across 84 countries, making it the global university ranking system dedicated to assessing the sustainability performance of the institution.

Our ranking aims to provide the result of the online survey regarding the current condition and policies related to the greening of campuses and sustainability improvement in universities all over the world. It is expected that by drawing the attention of university leaders and stakeholders, more attention will be given to global climate change, clean energy, water conservation, waste recycling, green transportation, and sustainability education and research. This will require increased awareness and a change in the behavior of many if we are to see it happen.

This year, we have introduced the new theme, "Instituting UI GreenMetric World University Rankings: The Way Forward". We will continue to encourage greater participation from universities worldwide, fostering a collective commitment to building sustainable campuses for the future.


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UI GreenMetric 2024: Celebrating Achievements and Expanding Sustainability Efforts Worldwide

On December 12, 2024, UI GreenMetric announced the results of the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings in São Paulo, Brazil. Hosted by the Universidade de São Paulo, the event highlighted global achievements in advancing environmental sustainability within higher education institutions. The ceremony adopted a hybrid format, enabling participants from universities across the globe to join either in person or virtually. This inclusive approach showcased the collective commitment to driving systemic change for a more sustainable future. Attendees came together to celebrate the collaborative efforts of universities dedicated to creating greener campuses and fostering environmental stewardship. This year, UI GreenMetric achieved a remarkable milestone with 1,477 participating universities across 95 countries, marking an increase of nearly 300 new institutions compared to last year. This growing participation showcases the increasing awareness of the importance of taking an active role in shaping more resilient and environmentally conscious campus communities. Furthermore, it emphasizes that every institution joining this year is a champion, signaling their commitment to transforming their campuses with more sustainable and environmentally friendly operations. Notable recognition was given to the top 10 most sustainable universities, setting an example with their innovative approaches and transformative initiatives. Here is the list of the ten most sustainable universities: 1. Wageningen University and Research - Netherlands 2. Nottingham Trent University - United Kingdom 3. University of Groningen - Netherlands 4. University College Cork - Ireland 5. Universidade de São Paulo - Brazil 6. Umwelt-Campus Birkenfeld - Germany 7. University of California, Davis - USA 8. University of Nottingham - United Kingdom 9. Università di Bologna - Italy 10. University of Connecticut – USA For a complete view of this year’s rankings, all results can be accessed through this link. Along with the notable recognition of the 10 most sustainable universities, UI GreenMetric also presented special awards during the event. These included: • “The Most Active National Coordinator of UI GreenMetric World University Ranking Network” to Universidad El Bosque, Colombia • “The Most Active New Participant University in Latin America” to Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador • “The Best New Participating University” to University of Augsburg, Germany • “The Most Sustainably Improved University” to Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia The event not only served as a celebration but also as a venue for collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The program continued with a seminar on the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where participants representing institutions from around the world showcased their best practices. This provided an opportunity for valuable lessons to be shared and learned among participants. UI GreenMetric extends its highest appreciation to Universidade de São Paulo for hosting the 2024 awarding ceremony and to the National Coordinator of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings in Brazil for their continuous collaboration and unwavering commitment to transforming universities into leaders in achieving a sustainable future. We eagerly invite more institutions to become part of this global movement and take the lead in driving sustainable transformation as we will open the UI GreenMetric Questionnaire for 2025. Next year, the journey continues at the University of Chinan, Chinese Taipei, as the host of the awarding ceremony. We are excited to see the University of Chinan’s leadership and initiatives as they take center stage in promoting sustainability on a global platform! Galleries: v Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist UI GreenMetric

 

Shaping Tomorrow's Sustainability Leaders Today: The 4th National Student Leaders on Sustainability Meeting (NSLSM) at Universitas Negeri Semarang

Semarang, 5-7 December 2024 — The 4th National Student Leaders on Sustainability Meeting (4th NSLSM) brought together student leaders from across Indonesia to discuss and explore strategies for building a greener future. Hosted by Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) in collaboration with UI GreenMetric, this influential event was made possible through Universitas Negeri Semarang's ongoing commitment to positioning universities as key leaders in shaping students into future leaders with a strong knowledge of sustainability, contributing to the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. The event opened with a series of impactful speeches from notable leaders in sustainability. Prof. Dr. Ir. Amin Retnoningsih, M.Si., Kasubdit Konservasi Universitas Negeri Semarang, and head of the organizing team, delivered the first remarks, emphasizing the essential role of conservation knowledge in preserving the planet. Her leadership has been instrumental in creating a platform that empowers students to become active champions of sustainability. Prof. Amin’s vision for NSLSM continues to inspire and shape the direction of sustainability efforts in higher education. The Rector of UNNES, Prof. Dr. S. Martono, M.Si., was represented by Prof. Dr. Sugianto, M.Si., the Secretary of UNNES, who also addressed the audience. Prof. Sugianto reinforced the university’s commitment to sustainability, urging students to actively engage in the promotion and adoption of sustainable practices on campus. He highlighted the importance of universities in shaping a sustainable future by integrating sustainability into all aspects of academic and campus life. In addition to Prof. Sugianto’s remarks, Prof. Dr. Ir. Riri Fitri Sari, M.M., MSc., Chairperson of UI GreenMetric joined the event virtually and spoke about the critical role that student leaders play in advancing sustainability at their universities. She encouraged students to become advocates for sustainability and to implement practices that align with global environmental goals. On Day 1, Alfian Fajri Nasrulloh, an NSLSM alumnus, took the stage to share his personal journey and ongoing commitment to sustainability, offering inspiring insights on how student leaders can influence their universities' sustainability programs The event continued with a presentation by Dr. Junaidi, Vice Chairperson of UI GreenMetric, who explored the transformative power of student leadership in shaping a more sustainable world. His message resonated deeply with the audience, reminding participants of their unique role in advancing sustainability efforts both on campus and beyond.The first day culminated in a symbolic environmental commitment ceremony, where NSLSM alumni, VIPs, and student leaders signed a collective pledge to contribute to environmental conservation. This act highlighted the shared responsibility for creating a sustainable future. On Day 2 of the 4th National Student Leaders on Sustainability Meeting (NSLSM), the event featured dynamic sessions focused on the role of Generation Z in advancing sustainability and the green economy. The day kicked off with a panel discussion exploring sustainable conservation practices, where Darmanto, S.P., M.AP., from BKSDA Jateng, discussed the importance of strengthening local conservation leadership through grassroots efforts. Prof. Dr. Amin Pujiati, S.E., M.Si., from UNNES, followed by emphasizing the pivotal role of Gen Z in driving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urging students to see themselves as active change-makers in both local and global contexts. Later in the day, Arief Khristanto, S.Hut, an expert on Low Carbon Development from Bappenas, provided a compelling overview of the future of green jobs in Indonesia’s low-carbon economy by 2045. He highlighted how sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green infrastructure will offer significant opportunities for young leaders. The discussions offered valuable insights on how student leaders can contribute to shaping Indonesia’s sustainable future through innovation, policy advocacy, and the creation of green solutions. In between these fruitful sessions, the event also offered an outdoor activity—a fish-release activity at Embung, symbolizing the participants' commitment to environmental stewardship. After this refreshing break, the event continued with a session on the role of student leaders in creating sustainable campuses, focusing on the implementation of the six UI GreenMetric indicators. The session was led by Teguh Prihanto, S.T., M.T., who moderated an engaging panel discussion with student leaders from various universities, highlighting how they can integrate sustainability practices within their campuses. This final session wrapped up the day’s activities, offering participants the tools and inspiration to make real, impactful changes at their own universities. On the third day, marking the final day of the event, participants enjoyed a city tour of Semarang’s cultural landmarks, offering them the opportunity to reflect on the connections between environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. As they explored sites such as Tugu Muda, Lawang Sewu, and the Kota Lama, participants were reminded of the importance of preserving not only the natural environment but also the historical and cultural assets that define a community. This experience provided a holistic perspective on sustainability, emphasizing the need to protect both the planet and the rich cultural heritage that shapes our identities. This event was fruitful in fostering collaboration and enriching discussions on the implementation of sustainability practices across Indonesian campuses. We look forward to continuing these discussions and supporting student leaders as they play a crucial role in enhancing awareness of sustainability and encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices both at national and international levels. The conversation will continue in 2025 when Universitas Airlangga will host the next NSLSM, bringing together student leaders from across Indonesia to further explore the role of students in shaping a sustainable future. For those interested in joining the conversation and learning about future events, please visit this page. Galleries: Written by Riska P. Hariyadi - Communication Specialist UI GreenMetric

 

Small Steps, Big Impact: Youth as Drivers of Climate Solutions

On November 21st, 2024, UI GreenMetric continued its efforts to promote sustainable practices by hosting an insightful Instagram Live discussion on the theme “Youth on the Frontlines: Driving the Climate Change Movement.” The event featured passionate young individuals, including Samintang, President of Climate Catalyst; Adventhius Immanuel Karo Karo, SDGs Campus Ambassador from Universitas Indonesia; La Mardani Putra, an alumnus and winner of NSLSM 2023 from UIN Raden Fatah Palembang; and was moderated by Rayhana, a Partnership Specialist at UI GreenMetric. The discussion was rich with valuable insights as the speakers shared concrete steps for youth to contribute and collaborate in achieving a sustainable future. The discussion began with the role of youth in addressing the ongoing climate crisis. According to Samintang, the role of youth in tackling the current climate crisis is crucial. He pointed out that two-thirds of Indonesia’s population is made up of young people, making them a dominant demographic. This presents an opportunity for youth to unite as key players in raising awareness and taking action on climate issues. Youth movements often begin at the grassroots level, working closely with local communities to empower them with knowledge about climate challenges, particularly for those most affected. These movements operate across various levels, from local to global, with each contributing significantly to the broader fight against the climate crisis. Immanuel then highlighted that youth carry a double burden in the fight against climate change. On one hand, they are beneficiaries of efforts to address the crisis, but on the other, they also bear the responsibility of driving meaningful impact. He broke this role down into three main functions. First, youth act as initiators and drivers of change, taking concrete actions to address climate challenges. Second, they serve as advocates, providing recommendations to governments and pushing for sustained commitment to sustainable development goals. Without strong governmental alignment, the impact of youth-led initiatives can become limited. Third, youth are the recipients of the benefits that arise from these collective efforts, making their involvement even more essential. Lamar added that young people are the core of a civilization and act as agents of change. Their innovative ideas and energetic nature allow them to empower communities and create positive societal transformations. The discussion also explored practical ways youth can contribute to the climate movement. Starting with Immanuel, he emphasized the importance of education, particularly in fostering behavioral changes as people become more aware of environmental issues. He suggested targeting groups that are not typically exposed to environmental discussions, such as anime or motorcycle communities, to broaden the reach of climate awareness. He also stressed the need to understand local contexts by actively listening to the specific challenges faced in different regions. For young people, he recommended joining organizations or communities that work closely with the government to actively participate in creating policies that promote sustainability. Lamar proposed that, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, climate crisis mitigation efforts must include research and development. He noted that findings from research can help reduce the severity of climate impacts. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of early education, ensuring that environmental issues become an integral part of children’s lives, helping them develop habits and values that consider their environmental impact. Sam also suggested that contributing to climate solutions doesn’t have to start with grand actions. Small, actionable steps can make a significant difference over time. She reminded everyone that everyone is equally vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis, which makes it crucial for all to participate in mitigating it. Simple daily habits, such as carrying reusable containers and tumblers, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and opting for thrifted clothes instead of buying new ones, can collectively contribute to reducing the impact of the climate crisis. The discussion underscored the vital role youth play in addressing climate change and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts at all levels. By taking proactive steps, whether through education, advocacy, research, or small individual actions, young people can significantly contribute to building a sustainable future. Together, these efforts can create a powerful collective movement capable of tackling the climate crisis and creating a more sustainable future. Written by Salsabila D. Rahmiziri - Communication Intern Editor: Riska P. Hariyadi

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